The Lions Club says there needs to be about a foot of ice on the lake for safety reasons.

Right now, there's about 8 to 10 inches, depending on the day.

"We check it probably once a week," says Michael LaCroce. "Another guy -- another club -- goes up, looks at the ice and drills a few holes, and gets a rough, average estimate on how thick the ice is over the whole lake. Our final measurement will be on Sunday, this coming Sunday."

LaCroce says the colder temperatures at night help the lake freeze.

You can show up the day of the derby, or pre-register on the Lions Club's website. for $4 to go toward a $1,000 prize.

Even if the Perch Derby is canceled, organizers say the raffle will still be held at a Norwich sporting goods store.